The Gemstone Cattle Co. of Gem, Alta., and Polyculture Plante 1987 Inc. of Saint-Pétronille, Que., are this year’s national young outstanding farmers.
Gemstone is run by Barry, Daniel and Lorin Doerksen.
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The brothers started implementing regenerative agriculture practices 10 years ago and say rotational grazing, poly-cropping for silage and winter grazing have improved their soil.
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The new practices also helped produce nutrient dense forages that they use to finish their beef cattle, the brothers added.
Simon Plante took ownership of the family horticulture business in 2021.
It produces strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, sweet corn, tomatoes, onions, squash, pumpkins and maple products, which are sold on the farm.
Plante is looking at recycling irrigation water to reduce water and fertilizer use.
The Outstanding Young Farmer regional finalists for 2024 included:
British Columbia — Aubyn & Tristan Banwell, Spray Creek Ranch, Lillooet
Alberta – Barry, Lorin & Daniel Doerksen, Gemstone Cattle Company, Gem
Saskatchewan — Erika & Cyle Stewart, Pine Ranch Ltd., Morse
Manitoba — Paige & Marcus Dueck, Four Oak Farms, Kleefeld
Ontario — DJ Wassenaar & Matt Bergman, Haybury Farms Inc., Jarvis
Quebec — Alison Blouin & Simon Plante, Polyculture Plante 1987 Inc., Sainte- Pétronille
Atlantic Canada — Geena Luckett, Luckett Farms Ltd., Wallbrook, N.S.
The winners were announced at a Nov. 27-Dec. 1 event in Lethbridge.
